The world of ice cream is full of experimental, fun and lucrative opportunities. In fact, the Indian ice cream industry is expected to be worth INR 508.4 billion crores in 2028! So while you enjoy your favourite scoop, you might want to consider owning an ice cream franchise very soon.
Ice cream is a mass product consumed annually, especially in the Indian subcontinent. However, venturing into the ice cream business is not a small feat. Since the industry is so densely populated, you will need the right information before you begin.
To help you get started, we have prepared a list of the best ice cream franchise to choose from if you want to start your own ice cream parlour.
Different Types Of Ice Cream Franchises
An ice cream franchise sells ice cream, frozen dessert, yoghurt, etc., of a particular brand at an ice cream parlour owned by someone else.
Before we jump to the list, first, let’s understand the types of ice cream franchises. Different formats have different offerings, target audiences, and profitability.
- Fresh Ice Cream Franchise
- Frozen Ice Cream Franchise
- Organic Ice Cream Franchise
- Flavoured Ice Cream Franchise
- Ice Popsicle Ice Cream Franchise
You can choose from these options and open an ice cream parlour that aligns with your investment budget and vision.
Best Ice Cream Franchise You Can Own
As mentioned before, the ice cream franchise is a profitable business model. While the summer season experiences a peak in profits, ice cream also continues to offer good sales later in the year.
Here is a list of the best ice cream franchise for you to choose from:
1. Amul Ice Cream
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 300-500 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 10-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
Founded in 1948, Amul is a household brand that commands a significant market share in the ice cream industry. The dairy giant dominated India’s west and north market because of its extensive and high-quality ice cream menu.
Governed by The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, Amul is a legacy brand, making it popular among people who plan to start an ice cream parlour.
Key Benefits:
- Well known by people across the country
- High-quality products at an affordable price
- Targets people from all economic backgrounds
- Trusted because of its legacy
2. Baskin Robins
Category: Premium
Area Required: 200-400 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 10-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: Not disclosed
Baskin Robbins is a global brand known across the world. In the Indian market, it has a significant dominance, especially in the premium range. The brand is known for its distinct and international flavours.
Present in more than 150 cities in India, Baskin Robbins also caters to airlines, hotels, and high-end malls.
Key Benefits:
- Global presence
- Premium Target Audience
- Higher ticket size
- International quality standards
- Ideal for urban and metro cities
3. Vadilal Ice Cream
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 500-700 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 10-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
Another legacy ice cream brand, Vadilal, was founded in 1926 in Gujarat and has grown to spread its wings across the country. With a strong distributor network, Vadilal ice cream can be found even in the country’s most remote locations.
The brand offers a wide array of flavours ranging from national to international variety. While it is primarily an affordable brand, Vadilal also offers ice creams in the premium range.
Apart from a normal ice cream parlour, Vadilal also has a premium ice cream shop called Now Forever, which offers exotic ice creams and irresistible desserts.
Key Benefits:
- Popular and established name in the industry
- Offers national and international flavours
- Targets affordable as well as the premium range
- Trusted because of its legacy
4. Naturals Ice Cream
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 500-800 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 15-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
A Mumbai-based brand, Naturals started in 1984 with the vision to provide the freshest ice cream possible. Today, the brand is popular for using real milk, fruits, nuts, and other ingredients, justifying the brand’s name.
Naturals are now focused on expanding its brand name and is offering franchises to people who can relate to the vision. The brand also offers extensive training to the staff to help grow the ice cream parlour.
Key Benefits:
- Unique offerings and product range
- A young brand with significant popularity
- An affordable investment with high profits
5. Kwality Walls
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 500-700 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 12-30 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
The most popular frozen treat and ice cream brand is the Kwality Wall franchise. It belongs to Hindustan Unilever, an FMCG company.
Started in 1956, the brand now has an extensive range, including Magnum, Cornetto, Paddle Pop, and so on.
Even in a difficult market, Kwality Walls has established itself as a key player in the ice cream industry.
Because of its range of products, Kwality Walls has customer loyalty of its own. It has distinct products for people of different age groups.
Key Benefits:
- Owned by Hindustan Unilever
- A well-known name in the country
- Wide range of products for people of all age groups
- Premium quality and taste
6. Cream Stone
Category: Premium
Area Required: 500-700 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 30-50 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
Since Cream Stone is one of the most popular ice cream brands in India, purchasing an ice cream franchise of this brand is a fantastic investment.
This business was founded in Hyderabad in 2009, and thanks to its delicious ice cream and top-notch customer service, it has been able to spread to many other Indian cities.
Key Benefits:
- Premium brand
- Rapidly growing in the industry
- Unique products and offerings
7. Ibaco
Category: Premium
Area Required: 250-500 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 15-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
Ibaco is known for offering a diversified ice cream selection. It has tried and tested business concept that enables you to create your own sundaes and other delicacies using a variety of unique flavours, helping to build the reputation of its brand as one that can be trusted and recognized.
Founded in 2012, it is one of the top 10 ice cream franchises in India for 2022, thanks to its smart use of high promotional branding. The brand is also popular for its ice cream cakes.
The brand is rapidly growing as a popular ice cream franchise and is completely focused on expanding the brand name by offering ice cream parlours for franchises.
Key Benefits:
- A rapidly growing young brand
- Unique and successful business model
- Diverse product offerings
8. Giani’s
Category: Premium
Area Required: 500-800 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 10-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 2-5 lacs approx
Giani’s is known for its humble beginnings in the local streets of Chandni Chown in Delhi. The brand, established in 1952, is one of the most popular ice cream businesses and has grown to become a market leader.
Offering a range of rich and luxurious ice creams, Giani’s is on a mission to build a strong network of ice cream franchises and offers immense managerial support to achieve the same.
If you want to open an ice cream parlour in India with nostalgic value, Giani’s is the ideal brand for you
Key Benefits:
- Premium, high-quality product range
- Commands a consumer loyalty
- Rapidly growing
- National presence
9. Gelato Vinto
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 200-500 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 5-10 lacs
Franchise Fee: 1-2 lacs approx
This chain of Italian-themed ice cream shops is India’s first true gelato shop because it serves both ice cream and gelato.
Gelato Vinto started in Delhi in 2005, and since then, the country has seen the addition of more than 40 shops.
Key Benefits:
- Italian brand
- Offers authentic gelato
- Rapidly growing
- Unique concept
10. Roll Over
Category: Affordable
Area Required: 500-800 sq. ft
Approx Investment: 15-20 lacs
Franchise Fee: 10% approx
Ice cream shop Roll Over is renowned for producing live “Ice Cream rolls” that are delectable and artistically beautiful. It was inspired by Thai street vendors and is one of the trendy ice cream brands.
A few of its well-known ranges include sundaes, ice-cream rolls, and sweets in jars. The brand is relatively new and is currently present in metro cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kerala, etc.
Key Benefits:
- A different concept
- An affordable investment with good returns
- Ideal for people in the metro cities
The ice cream industry contributes heavily to the nation’s GDP every year. Not only is it a profitable business, but owning an ice cream franchise can be fun too. There are many players in the market, but the above-mentioned list covers the most demanded names in the ice cream business.
We hope this article gave you insights and enabled you to make the right decision for your business. For more content like this, follow us on Instagram!
